Overview
Silkeborg is the self-styled "Outdoor capital of Denmark", a title earned through its exceptional combination of forests, lakes, and Denmark's longest river, the Gudenåen. The town was founded in 1844 around a paper mill (Silkeborg Paprfabrik) at the river, though the area's history goes back to the 15th century when a castle stood on an islet in Silkeborg Lake, giving the town its name meaning "silk castle".
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Family Travel · Museums · Nature
Before you go
Connectivity
5G available from TDC; 4G from 3 Tre, Telenor, and Telia. Public WiFi is widely available throughout the town centre.
Money
Denmark is largely cashless; cards are accepted everywhere. For budget eating, Cafe Eval offers mains from 70 kr and Netto grocery is open daily 08:00-22:00.
Museums
Museum Silkeborg displays famous bog bodies; AQUA aquarium costs 85 kr; Silkeborg Art Museum (50 kr) features Asger Jorn's works.
Outdoor
Silkeborg is Denmark's self-proclaimed outdoor capital, with lakes for swimming, forests for hiking, and the Gudenåen river for canoeing and boat trips.
Transport
Trains run every 30 minutes between Silkeborg and Aarhus (30 min), continuing to Herning. Bus 124 connects Aarhus to Silkeborg in 40 minutes. The E45 motorway passes nearby.